overdrive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a state of working very hard or being extremely active.
n.a state of intensified activity, effort, or production, often beyond normal limits.
Simple“The factory went into overdrive to finish all the orders before the holiday.”
In context“As the election approached, the candidate's PR machine went into overdrive, churning out press releases and social media content hourly.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'to go into overdrive'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a high gear in a vehicle that helps the engine run more slowly while driving fast.
n.a gear ratio in an automotive transmission that allows the output shaft to rotate faster than the input shaft, reducing engine wear and fuel consumption at cruising speeds.
Simple“Once he reached the highway, he shifted the car into overdrive to save fuel.”
In context“The vintage sports car featured a manual overdrive unit, which was engaged via a toggle switch on the dashboard for high-speed touring.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in technical contexts or a countable noun when referring to the specific mechanism.
Synonymshigh gearAntonymslow gear - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to drive or push someone or something much harder than is healthy or safe.
v.to drive, work, or exploit something or someone to the point of exhaustion or strain.
Simple“You shouldn't overdrive your staff if you want them to stay productive.”
In context“The logistics manager was cautioned not to overdrive the delivery fleet, as the increased maintenance costs were offsetting the gains in speed.”
UsageTransitive verb taking a direct object.
From Middle English overdriven, from Old English oferdrīfan, equivalent to over- + drive. Cognate with Saterland Frisian uurdrieuwe (“to overdo, overstate”), Dutch overdrijven (“to exaggerate”), German Low German overdrieven, överdrieven (“to overdo, exaggerate”), German übertreiben (“to overdo, exaggerate”), Norwegian overdrive (“to exaggerate”).
From over- + drive, originally referring to gear ratios over 1:1.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.